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Nail changes (pitting, lifting, ridges, or thickening)

Also called: Nail changes, nail pitting, onycholysis, nail lifting, nail ridges, thick nails

Changes in how nails look, like tiny dents, nails lifting off the nail bed, ridges, or thickening. Most come from injury, aging, fungus, or skin conditions like psoriasis.

Common causesInjury, aging, fungus, psoriasis
UsuallyNot serious
CheckA dark streak or nail changes with other symptoms

Overview

Pitting often comes with psoriasis or alopecia areata. Lifting can follow injury, fungus, or harsh nail products.

Vertical ridges are normal with age. A new dark streak under a nail needs a check for melanoma.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Nail changes like pitting, lifting, or ridges
  • Pitted or changed nails

Less common

  • Thick or discolored nails

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayRed, painful, swollen skin around the nail with pus.
See a doctor soonA new dark streak, a nail change with no cause, or nail changes with joint pain.

Causes

Injury, aging, fungus, skin disease.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Psoriasis
  • Older age

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician looks at the nails.

Questions you may be asked

  • Skin conditions, nail products, injuries

The exam

Nail and skin exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Nail clipping test: For fungus.

Treatment

Protect your nails.

Self-care

  • Keep nails short and dry
  • Wear gloves for wet work
  • Avoid acrylics and harsh removers while healing
  • Don't pick or clean under lifted nails

Treatment depends on the cause.

Prevention

To protect nails:

  • Gloves for wet work

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most are harmless.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Could this be psoriasis or fungus?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Nail changes (pitting, lifting, ridges, or thickening)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.